Biography
Paul is a postdoctoral research fellow at UCD conducting work in the in the iCRAG raw material research challenge. He has a BSc from New Mexico Tech, an MSc from Queen’s University, and a PhD in Geochemistry from James Cook University. His PhD focussed on using in situ chemical and isotope analyses of key mineral phases to establish the petrogenesis of the Gifford Creek Carbonatite Complex and the Yangibana light rare earth element deposit. Prior to his PhD, he previously worked in the geological/geotechnical engineering and mining/mineral exploration sectors.
Zinc is one of the most commonly used metals on Earth and is a key component for galvanisation as well as everyday alloys such as brass. Many of the Zn deposits in Ireland occur in the dolostones and limestones that comprise much of Ireland. Some of these deposits, such as those in Co. Limerick, are associated with an uncommon type of volcanic rock. The goals of this project are to see how these volcanic rocks have affected Zn mineralisation.
Technical description
The Pallas Green and Stonepark Zn prospects located in Co. Limerick are atypical in their mineralisation style as they are associated with alkaline diatremes, which may be acting as fluid conduits and/or affecting the ore tenor in the region. This project focusses on determining the physical and geochemical relationships between the diatremes and host rocks (barren and mineralised). This context will be a key component in establishing the age of the units compared to mineralisation, origins of the ore fluids, and effects of alkaline volcanism on mineralisation. The outcomes of this study are multi-faceted, having implications for base metal exploration near Limerick and other prospects near volcanic centres in Ireland as well as having the potential to elucidate the relationships between Zn mineralisation in Ireland related to underlying terranes and previous tectonic events.
Role
- Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution
- UCD
Research Area
- Earth Resources
Expertise
- Mineral Exploration
